Troops of Nigeria’s Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued 11 hostages—including two serving police inspectors—in a coordinated military offensive in Benue State, North-Central Nigeria.
The Commander of OPWS, Major General Moses Gara, revealed the development during a press briefing in Makurdi on Monday. He said the victims were freed following a high-intensity operation conducted over the weekend in the Sankera axis of the state, comprising Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo local government areas.
The raid, led by Colonel Kolawole Bukoye, Commander of Sector 1, was supported by the OPWS Air Component, with additional reinforcement from Sector 3 troops who provided strategic blockade in Wukari, Taraba State, to intercept fleeing gunmen.
Among those rescued were seven men and four women, including Inspectors John Ngbede and Odah Patrick, both of whom were abducted in separate incidents and held for several weeks. Ngbede, who is attached to the Adamawa State Command, recounted being kidnapped by men in military camouflage on 16 June, while travelling between Zaki Biam and Wukari. Patrick, of the Rivers Command, was seized on 14 July en route through Abakaliki.
Both officers reported being extorted during captivity—Ngbede said his abductors took ₦3.5 million, while Patrick stated he paid ₦3 million, yet was not released.
Two suspects were arrested during the operation, including an individual believed to be responsible for the insurgents’ armoury and another who acted as a security guard for the hostages.
The military recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including four FN rifles, three G3 rifles, four AK-47s, a PKT machine gun, and multiple magazines and rounds of ammunition. Also seized were smoke canisters, a pistol magazine, and fetish charms allegedly used by the criminal elements.
The rescued individuals have undergone medical screening and are being prepared for reintegration with their families.
Major General Gara thanked Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs for their continued support, affirming the military’s commitment to sustaining pressure against armed groups in Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States.
